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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




'Arkansas Buck" 



SECRET HAUNT OF THE EXILE 
and 
Other Poems. 
Author of Illinois Flora, Blind Minister, 
Medical Jurisprudence, How to Read 
Character, Manual of Mensura- 
tion, Ruf and the Professor, 
Short Stories, Etc., Etc. 

by 
"Arkansas Buck." 





• 




LiBRARYcf CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

DEC 22 1905 

CopyrifirlU Entry 

CLftSS (X. XXc, No, 

COPY B. 


~ ^ 


Copyrigl 
T 


ited March 6, 

by 
C. Buxton. 


1905, 



To Miss Enola Keisling and Fred C. Keisling. 
In rememberance for their assistance 
and friendship they have so 
untiringly given to me. 
As dedicated to them. 



PREFACE. 

How sad a sight it is to see 

A spotless soul in mortal clay, 

Uplifting self beyond the shoal 

When such pure soul is vigilant ; 

Not in the ripple or the rill, 

Flo¥7s deepest water wildly on ; 

Not in the loudest crash or roar. 

Is found life's sacred, solemn hour. 

Though in the stillness that's unbroken, 

We Open the door to thoughts remote 

And in a quiet still reflection, 

We ascend to realms more sublime. 

When man can read the thoughts of man, 

In life more heroes will we see. 

Those we think in highest splendor, 



Could they, the lower bases be 1 
Heroes are but man's invention, 
That lives awhile in bright display ; 
Thus while time doth seem to mock us, 
Erstwhile life's sun is shining bright, 
We know not the cares about us. 
Beyond the veil of future darkness. 
We're defeated but not conquered ; 
Man was born to meet life's struggles ; 
A noble life shall not perish 
Pass they onward to a brighter clime. 
To a haven worthy of our part, 
There we'll rest, in balmy breezes 
Free from storms and human strife. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

Poetry is the graphic picture of the soul of 
man— Arkansas Buck. 



Ul 



o 




Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



THE SECRET HAUNT OF THE EXILE 

The orb of day was sinking low, 

The barren trees scant shadows throw, 

O'er landscape, all white with snow. 

The air was sharp and crisp and cold. 

The sheep were sheltered from the storm, 

Secure and warm within the fold. 

Now as it later grew, the moon 

Rose bright o'er mountain top and glen. 

Its ghastly lights shone through the trees; 

To peer into my hiding place. 

Ah! you searcher of the truth, I fear 

I'm not impregnable here. 

In this my secret hiding place 

Where no man has ever shown his face, 



Aha! your ghastly silvery rays, 

Shall disappear at break of day ; 

No longer will you search for vice, 

0, why thus tantalize me here? 

I beg, I pray you disappear ! 

Take your weird shadows from my brow. 

Let me once more renew my vow. 

The moon went down the oak trees groaned, 

And creaked and sighed and sobbed and moaned; 

On that drear night no mortal knew. 

The moon and I held interview. 

Alone in reverie at last, 

The night grew dark, foreboding ill : 

Fantastic phantoms of the past, 

The bitter past, they haunt me still. 

On came the memories of the past. 

Forced back upon me thick and fast ; 

I writhed, I wrung my hands in grief. 

But nothing came to my relief. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

The morning dawned and I recalled 

The horrors of the fearful night — 

Then hark ! a voice with sigh and moan 

"You are not in this haunt alone." 

I laughed to hear my voice resound, 

Across the place so desolate — 

I turned and saw a deadly stare, 

A stare from yon crouching thing. 

What news, tell me what news bringest thou, 

Speak now thou harbinger of ill, 

I fear you not if man or fiend. 

You demon image prophesy. 

Or I will crush you in this lair. 

Stare not but tell how long you've been 

With me in this my rendivous. 

Dost know that you are in my den. 

Where secrets safe are kept from men? 

Take that mask from off your face 

You member of despised race, 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 10 

That searches for me to disgrace. 
So now a prisoner shall you be 
And never never more shall you see 
Your native state of Tennesse 
Until you promise faithfully, 
By solemn oath and sacred vow, 
You'll say when asked along the way 
We never met you know me not 
That in my secret place, I'm safe 
From searchers (who would seal my fate). 
Speak now, speak now will thou not vow. 
Wilt thou not take a solemn oath ? 
Shall we both live here isolate ? 
Do you not love sweet liberty? 
Will you not say, I knew him not 
And him I never met? 

PART II. 

The sun sank low behind the hills. 

No sound was heard save the katy's trills, 



11 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Their merry songs which held me fast, 
To recollections of the past. 
The ghostly spectre disappeared, 
I stood reflecting o'er my deeds. 

God I will renew my vow. 

And as the hours dragged slowly by, 

1 delved in secrets of the past. 

The hooting owl chilled me with fear. 
Lest he with sage like wisdom, might 
Chance to betray my whereabouts. 
As on my bed of leaves I lay, 
A chill of horror froze my veins- 
There by my side with slimy length 
I saw a deadly poison snake. 
No time had I to meditate — 
Can this be Satan or a snake? 
But to my fevered frenzied brain 
The thoughts of "Sinless Eden Came." 
Quickly I sprang up from my bed— 



12 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Quickly I raised my foot and said — 

"Man's heel shall crush the Serpent's head." 

But ah! Again I met that stare 

That witching figure over there, 

Has sent this serpent's eyes to glare, 

To see if I fear man or fiend. 

The reptile's head I trampled down, 

Into the dry and hardened ground, 

And now you being truculent, 

From this haunt of mine or thine. 

You have said that I have fled 

From my pursuers and the dead. 

Where shall I go, can I devise. 

To flee away in some disguise ; 

I'll leave this demon here behind, 

Which those who search for me will find. 

But deep in heart I quail, I fear. 

This demon soon will reappear. 

And bear me back to pall and bier, 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 13 

I see the flames high o'er my grave 
Like ocean billows surge and wave, 
Will I when I am lying there, 
Meet currish, hellish, demon's Stare ? 
.1 crept away without a sound 
Of rustling leaf or breaking twig. 
The owl drolled out his mounful song. 
And weird notes of the whip-poor-will 
Resound from distant craggy hill. 
I paused when at the river's brink. 
To muse awhile, reflect and think, 
And ask myself, is this the time 
For me to end this life of mine ? 
I watched the tiny minnows play. 
And now and then a monstrous fish, 
Would flounce into the air and show 
Through spray his gleaming silvery sides, 
Then drop again into the stream. 
But suddenly there came the thought 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 14 

Of where I stood and what I was 
For just across the limped stream, 
I saw the place I met my foe. 
Sadly I turned and took my way 
Into a thicket for another day. 
And here and there and everywhere 
I met that awful dreadful stare ; 
I closed my eyes and found relief 
From restless care and daily grief, 
A dream and vision came to me 
To soothe my soul's deep misery. 

PART III.— THE DREAM. 

The days of toil were o'er and I 
Sat musing in a passive way. 
O'er gleanings of my boyhood days ; 
I see them now, the lapse of years 
Seem scarcely but a few short days ; 
There lingers still a loveliness, 



15 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

That drinks a fragrance as of youth. 

Amid the busy scenes of earth 

I often pause in sober thought, 

To ponder and reflect o'er life; 

The beating of my heart grows wild, 

What does this mean, why should it come ? 

Ah, here she is as comes to me 

Her sky blue eyes inspire my soul 

And turn me back to days of youth 

When life was full of joy and mirth. 

Those soulful eyes they ne'er can fade, 

They like a beacon light my way ; 

They shine far brighter than the stars, 

And beckon me to reach the goal. 

The year speed on, I see her now, 

So beautiful, so full of grace ; 

An added luster fills her eyes. 

And golden curls crown her fair face ; 

Her winsome ways inspired my soul, 



16 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

When life was young and full of hope, 
But memory now alone remains 
She slumbers in a dreamless sleep. 
Again to me her face appears 
The self same smile of long ago. 
How strange it seems, can it be true ? 
I see the dear old home once more, 
Where as a youth I wandered o'er 
The hills and by the sparkling stream ; 
Dreaming of manhood yet unknown, 
Building bright castle in the air, 
Thinking but little of it then. 
The years increasing, onward roll, 
I sigh to contrast, then and now, 
How pleasant were the days of youth. 
Their joys I can recall and with 
Them comes a happy dream of love. 
Then blighted were my fondest hopes 
And scattered to the wind and I 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 17 

Was thrown onto the bitter world. 

Again I see those love lit eyes, 

That longing, lingering look she gave. 

Which pierced my conscience to its depths. 

Her soft hand trembled on my brow, 

Her heart throbbed wildly with my own ; 

I felt the pressure of a kiss 

Upon my lips and she was gone ; 

Can I forget that awful day 

That stole my peace and liberty ! 

I still can hear her parting words 
And see her charming face, which shines, 
From out the dim and misty past. 
What form is this that follows me. 
And seems to guide my destiny ? 
'Tis Rosaline, my loved and lost. 
Who guides my ever wayward steps. 
It seems as though but yesterday. 
She whispered "Flee my lover flee," 



18 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

And she is ever true to me ; 

Come nearer still my welcome guest. 

My vision vanished, I awoke ; 
'Twas twilight and the air was chill, 
And as the night with silent hand 
Drew her dark curtain o'er the land ; 
I saw the flowers low at my feet 
And said 0, emblem of the truth. 
You tell me that I have a soul 
That will be lost eternally. 
You tell me too that from afar 
A voice ascends in prayer for me ; 
Yes it is she, still good and true, 
Who comes to help me on my way. 

The cares and trials of life may come 
Like floods, but still my heart is strong ; 
Her gentle touch is on my brow ; 
Ag-ain my soul new courage takes, 



The day will calm, a gentle breeze 
Will rise and soothe my aching head. 
And now ye Gods of fate arise, 
And lend my cloud a golden hue ; 
The sunshine of my life is past. 
Has drifted to a sunnier clime. 

PART IV. 

The sun rose high in skies of blue, 
No clouds to mar its perfect hue, 
Or veil the splendor of the day ; 
The Oriole for gladness sung, 
A love song to his mate, who swung 
Below him in his cradle nest. 
A robin hopped about my feet, 
In search of insects for to treat 
His young tucked in a hiding place. 

A lonely Crow sat silently 

And pondered mischief yet to be, 



20 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

In yonder tree with eyes closed fast, 

An owl dreams of his night's repast, 

But see upon that barren height, 

That emblem of proud liberty. 

With antlers high and nostrils wide. 

He climbs to some more distant place ; 

What caused him thus to flee away ? 

How gracefully he scales the mountain heights. 

And leaps the stream and turns to view, 

With pride his picturesque domain. 

An Eagle high above him soars 
An emblem of our freedom, too ; 
Ah ! No ! Not ours but their's for 
I'm alienated from all men. 
But yet in that phantasmal dream. 
The eyes of Orcus glare and gleam. 
Ah ! yes he knows that I am here. 
But I forbade him to come near. 
He dares to haunt me never more. 




X 

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fa 
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Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



21 



The startled stag flees on in fear, 
Methinks there must be danger near. 




22 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



WHERE CAN I REST. 

Where can I rest the sun is down, 

Stars appearing one by one, 
To brighten heaven's precious crown, 

And now another day is done. 

Where can I rest, the forest trees. 
Have thrown their leaves into the air. 

And they have fallen to the earth. 
Just like a worn out mantle there. 

Where can I rest all day I've trod 
Beneath the sun's December showers, 

And now the last faint rays are gone 
To brighten up another's bowers. 

Where can I rest my weary feet ? 

Have walked o'er many weary miles. 
Oh, that I may retrace my steps. 

To the homeland, when morning smiles. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 23 

Where can I find my youthful joy, 
A mother's tender love and care, 
The joy I lost when first I roamed, 

could I find it garnered there? 

Where can I rest in desert waste ? 

1 whiled away the shining hours. 
Destroyed by blissful paradise. 

And squandered nature's gifted dowers. 

Where can I find the melody, 

Of sister's voice I've mourned so long ? 
That mingles now in heaven's choir. 

In some sweet reverential song. 

Where can I rest my broken heart ? 

The heart that sabre oft has bled. 
Long have I borne that painful blade, 

must I bear it till I'm dead? 



24 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Where can I rest my weary soul ? 

The flowers fade and pass away, 
But only sleep through wintry hours, 

To wake again in early May ! 

Where can I rest and let my life 
Glide safely past this vale of tears 

Into a new and grander clime, 
And grow the happier with the years ? 

Where can I leave this robe of clay. 
And live in peace from day to day. 

Then will I wander far away 
And sing God's praise eternally ? 

When can I rest and glorify 
Creator of the earth and sky ; 

All evil then I could defy 
And dwell with Angels upon high ? 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 25 



AT MOTHER'S GRAVE 

Her life on earth long since has passed 
And mouldering now her body lies 
Beneath the clay, decay's begun, 
The last but ever irksome task 
Of "dust thou art to dust return," 
She always walked in peace with God, 
And dauntless as the saints of old ; 
Ah ! cruel grave thou dost withhold 
My precious mother's face from me. 

For cold and still they placed her here. 
To gently rest within thine arms ; 
And though the winds blow wild and high, 
And through the tree tops moan and sigh, 
In placed calm respose she sleeps. 



26 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

She lived in hope, in peace she died ; 
Though often met by temptation's tide, 
Along the norrow path she trod. 
Completing all her vows with God. 
In early life she sowed some seed 
Of noble thoughts and kindly deeds, 
But ere the harvest time had come. 
The father called, "My child come home." 

So trustingly she followed Him, 
Without a murmur or complaint ; 
Though in the bloom of womanhood. 
She was submissive to His will. 
While Death so slowly did his work, 
Bestilling her's the purest heart. 
As whiter grew her pale sweet face, 
The closer then her soul's pure grace. 
Clung to her Maker and her God. 
And now her heart beats faint and low, 
To dear ones standing by her side. 



Secret ttaunt of the Exile and Other iPoems 2!t 

Then with a mother's tender love, 
She prays that God will safely guide 
And shield from harm, her infant son ; 
And as the father held the child 
Beside his dying mother's bed, 
They christened him their favorite name, 
And then the mother fell asleep. 
Asleep on earth to wake in heaven. 



IN THE HANDS OF FATE 

It was a cold December's night, 
The snow flakes falling fast 

An old man sat by his fireside 
Reflecting o'er the past. 

The number of the milestones passed 
Was equal to three scores, 

And like a romance was his life 
Like one ne'er read before. 

Unsympathetic seemed the world. 

To him so gray and old ; 
And many volumes it would fill. 

If half his life was told. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 29 

He sat, he mused, he heeded not, 

The winds so wild and high ; 
Sunshine and shadow blend in thought. 

With now and then a sigh. 

And as the fire-lights brighter grew 

His spirits seemed to rise. 
When thoughts of home and mother came, 

Tears dimmed his aged eyes. 

Then he recalls when but a child 

Way back in forty-three, 
The lessons that were taught him, at 

His gentle mother's knee. 

Then when a little older grown. 

Care free his way he took 
To roam about the pleasant fields. 

Or wander by the brook. 

A handsome youth still in his 'teen^. 
Endowed with brilliant mind 



All in the bloom and pride of life 
With vigor well defined. 

The old man's face grew pale as thought, 

Portrayed the scene so clear 
'Twas at a country ball he met 

The one to him most dear. 

She was the pride of his whole life 

The hope of all to him, 
The choicest fairest of them all ; 

And now the fire burns dim. 

Her checks were as the primrose fair 

That blooms in early May, 
Her form was graceful and her breath 

Was sweet as new mown hay. 

Her hair was sunbeams made in curls, 
Here eyes were heaven's blue ; 

And all who gazed into their depths 
Saw naught but what was true. 



A little diffident and shy 
Among those assembled there, 

But much beloved because she was 
Wise, beautiful and fair. 

The clock struck eight, the dance began 

And at the first command 
She took the place beside the man. 

Who promised her his hand. 

Queen of the ball and of his heart 

With dainty tripping feet. 
She glides among the dancers there, 

To music low and sweet. 

And no one dreamed of danger near. 
When that first dance was done 

None knew an enemy was there. 
Astonished were each one. 

He called her from among the crowd 
And asked her to take a walk. 



32 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

"My company is engaged, said she, 
"To my sister you'll have to talk." 

"But you must go with me," said he, 

"At once my pretty dove," 
As on her lips he pressed a kiss, 

"0, come with me my love." 

"No ! No !" said she, "I will not go ; 

To another I am betrothed." 
"Come, come," said he, "That may be so, 

But with me you'll have to go." 
He roughly pushed her through the door 

And out into the night. 
And to our hero in his prime 

Was lost his promised wife. 

She screamed for help for well she knew 

Her lover in the crowd, 
Would hear and come to her relief 

And rescue her from harm. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 33 

Then suddenly a shot rang out 
Which pierced the villian's heart ; 

Although James Coply took his aim 
At random in the dark. 

Then to the trial people came 

To witness far and near, 
Who falsely swore 'twas his intent 

To kill maliciously. 

And that brave boy who fired the shot, 

To save his promised wife. 
Was in the springtime of his years 

To prison sent for life. 

And when she came to say farewell 

To the girl he had saved ; 
From its fair throne her reason fell, 

A maniac she raved. 

With care worn brow our hero stood, 
To wait the coming train, 



34 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Which would bear him from home and friends 
To wear the convict's chains. 

Sadly he thought of his dear home, 

Which he so soon must leave, 
And loving parents most of all 

At home alone to grieve. 

The train rolled on, at last it reached 

His destination drear. 
He bade farwell to liberty 

And all that he held dear. 

Full twenty years have passed since then, 

The prisoner's hair is gray ; 
Both pain and toil have left their trace 

On him from day to day. 

One day as Governor Tanner sat 

In his official chair 
A note was handed him which told 

Of a poor convict's care. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 35 

He broke the seal and read aloud, 

" 'Tis mine the convict's doom, 
Must I now wear a convict's shroud. 

Is mine the convict's tomb ?" 

Unsteady was the governor's hand ; 

The letter touched his heart. 
And in a clear firm voice he said: 

" He shall this day depart." 

A pardon then he quickly signed 

And sent it on its way, 
" This must not be one moment kept ; 

Make haste without delay." 

And now the old man sits tonight 

Reflecting o'er the past. 
Gone are those awful days of strife. 

His thoughts are backward cast. 



36 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



Sweet liberty is his and near 
Him sits his happy wife, 

And happily they ponder o'er 
The night he saved her life. 




Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 37 



DEAD 



Dead, no more his face I see, 
No more his gentle voice I hear ; 
Ah ! how clearly I recall 
In those balmy days serene, 
When you were Lord of all 
And by your side your queen. 

Dead, what does this mean ? 
I cannot comprehend it all, 
That such a spectre grim unseen 
Upon your form would fall 
And bear you back to earth ; 
Death's cold and clamy grasp 
Has robbed a saintly home, alas. 



Of joy and tranquil bliss, 
A home so truly blessed with two 
Bright little ones and they are left 
With their life battle to be won, 
Just as the struggle is begun. 
! death thou didst a mighty crime 
To take him on ere half his time 
On earth was duly spent. 

Oh ! death have you no sympathy or fear. 
Can you not save a single tear ? 
Do you not know your cruel hand 
Has stolen one from out the band 
And broken is the happy home ? 
The widowed mother now alone 
Must journey and protect her own. 

She treads along her pathway dim, 
So silently in search of him. 
But only in her vanished dreams 
Can she behold his face serene. 



LOVE 

It is divine, love is so pure ; 

A sacred flame or heaven's cure, 

That makes our earthly home, a small 

Reflective mirror of it all ; 

Of all, the boundless all — of love 

That makes up heav'n. 

0, God who knows but they who've tried, 
Through some mishap to cast aside, 
The yearning of a hopeless love. 
Who knows but they the reckless shove 
And thrust them o'er the thorny way. 
Ere they find death. 



40 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Could I go to some silent stream, 
To leave the earth, to only dream 
And list to its quiet whispering. 
Sooth my spirits by its rippling ; 
On its water dance the shadows, 

Weird and alone. 

Those phantom figures they are dead. 
Yet each will throw its darkened head 
Across the current's living flow. 
And as the darkened shadows throw 
A mantle— sadness — life. 

Intangible. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 41 



PRIDE WILL FALL. 

A lily grew beside the stream, 
Within that lily dew drops came 

And on its style they quickly gleamed, 
" I'll have my rights, I will proclaim !" 

Its snowy cup was still upturned. 
Toward the heaven and the stars ; 

Each gladly sparkled in its turn, 
"I am the brightest of the stars." 

Each said to each, in haughty pride, 
" See how my diamonds colors shine." 

The fragrant lily then replied : 
" 'Tis I that cause you thus to shine ?" 



The sun arose in early morn 

And with a searching, glancing gleam, 
Said to the dew drop, " thou be gone," 

And left the lily by the stream. 

The moral is that pride will fall 
When 'tis not borne by virtue's rod ; 

Its splendors few or none at all, 
'Tis shunned alike by man and God. 






^■^■.^-—.^l.:^J^ ^ ,...^-^ ..-. ,.■- i-^JM-jLt^^. -J-^B-J^-. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 43 



SOMETHING TO BE. 

I appeal to you ye moaning, 
Crashing, dashing, wandering winds. 
What in your wildness do you send. 
Out in that empty voice of thine 
That makes me shudder and repine, 
And know that in this life of mine 
That there is something yet to be ; 
Something I feel, but cannot see. 

What ! in that silent hollow tone, 

You are whispering home sweet home, 

Arousing within my bosom 

A restless, ceaseless care to roam ; 

And still from out your dismal death, 

A sadness comes whispering, Time, Time ; 



44 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Where is thy source or hidden springs 
That calls forth bitter, bitter things 
That which may cause the tear dimmed sky, 
Become so dark and then to sigh. 
For something, something yet to be. 
Something I feel, but cannot see. 

The forests creak and sigh and groan. 
The dying leaves are wildly tossed, 
And even they can find no rest 
On mother Earth's kind ample breast. 
Hither, thither, yonder, there, 
Like surging sorrows, passing joys. 
Like falling leaf no rest can find, 
Pleasure and sadness vex the mind ; 
Eternity and time strive to replace 
With hopes of rest, the heart that aches ; 
Why murmur, weep and sadly sigh ? 
Why drink life's bitter dregs and die ? 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 45 

Then dream of every silent test 
To shorten time within my breast ; 
Something I feel, but cannot see, 
Something, yes something yet to be. 



QUEEN OF NIGHT 

(," / love this as it were my own, part of it is mine.'' 
— Critic.) 

In yonder sky so deep and blue, 
The queen of night sails proudly on, 
Reflecting from her loftly height 
The sunshine of a day that's gone. 
lovely queen could you but know 
The measure of your force, 
Upon our broad terrestrial sphere. 

Would you not tremble in your course ? 
And would you dare alone to plough 
The dark, dense clouds and would you glide 
O'er mountain tops with naught of fear ? 



Without your presence, pale sweet orb. 
Our oceans would be void of tide, 
The night so dark and drear. 

gentle moon, pale sweet moon 

1 love to watch your flight 
From early eve 'till morning dawn 
Thou patient satellite. 

Although the ills that vex humanity 
Disturb thee not, the great Divinity 
That guides our course — guides thine. 



48 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



ALL MUST DIE 

Sad day, the storm clouds's dusky folds, 

The morning veil of earth and sky 

O'er hangs us day and night. 

The earth has shed its many tears, 

While time doth fly 
For all must die. 

Tube rose your perfumed breath, 

Doth bring me ecstacy— 

Thy roots are in the grave, 

The choicest fragrance ever still. 

Points unto death. 
Thou too must die. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 49 

Sweet spring that brings us flowers 
And fragrant roses in the bowers, 
Yet swiftly flies the fleeting hours, 
Your verdure shows that you must go. 

You and death did vie, 
And thou wilt die. 

lark, whose voice so oft I hear 

In song so pleasing to my ear, 

So full of cheer you meet the morning glow* 

The first to greet its radiant beams. 
In tree tops high. 
You sing, then die. 

WILL NOT DIE 

Ah sweet and virtuous soul. 

You, and you alone can live 

Tho' springs may go, flowers pass away 

The whole world in glory lie. 



50 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

With death they vied 
You will not die. 
*"As changed by critic." 




Secret Haunt of the Exile and. Other Poems 51 



FLOWERLETS 



Here are tiny flowerlets, 

Silently they grow, 
'Tis the gentle sunshine 

Brings them forth I know. 

Blooming little flowerlets, 
Blue and white and red. 

On every hill and valley 
They are thickly spread. 

God made the little flowerlets, 
He loves, he keeps them too. 

He sends the rain and sunshine 
And sparkling drops of dew. 



52 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



So the God our Father 
Sends his tenderest love 

To His loved children, 
A message from above. 




SUPPOSING 

{"I find no fault in this man." — Critic.) 

rarest blossom, kindest friend 
Your serene nature always blends 
With God Himself, and you intend 
A life of usefulness to spend. 
Many blessings now I see, 

In heaven laid up in store for thee. 
When you pass to eternity. 

Supposing now from woman kind, 

1 choose you for my friend 
And make my life and mind 
With all your life to blend. 
Ah ! know not this alone 



i 



54 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Your every grief, your care, 
All these to be our own. 

In you my hopes of fame. 
Of each I will confide. 
You know my every aim, 
My ambition's wide ; 
It is the truth, I love 
To leave you secure 
And firm, as hopes above. 
Love is so kind, so pure. 

Our friendship's lovely ties, 

Our peace is now beyond ; 

In life's path a duty lies, 

A goal yet to be won. 

I hope from year to year 

To live another way. 

Though time brings grief and tears 

To me but one more day. 






To you my only charm, 
With you I am at rest. 
Within my restless arms 
I'd like to you confess 
My heart, tho' pained with love, 
I'd near be false or cold ; 
My life you've yet to prove. 
My heart to yet unfold. 

Though I am still bereft, 

Dear one are you forlorn ; 

Must I, while now I'm left 

On earth continually mourn, 

Shall I withdraw from woman kind 

In such forsaken state, 

And thus to strive no more to find 

A true and loving mate. 

In melancholic gloom 
I'll follow out my way, 



56 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Tho' pining o'er my wretched doom, 
ril live from day to day. 
I say, a woman shall not prove 
Me false— right well I know 
My soul, so full of faith and love, 
Can dwell with me below. 

Tho' I am doomed alone to be, 

Unloved, unseen on earth, 

I have some friends, they are to me 

A gem of costly worth ; 

Altho' they know I'll not despair. 

We look to Him on high. 

Enthroned, enobled there 

My friends are always nigh. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 57 



ONWARD 

Onward where no night is coming ; 

Onward through the fleeing hours ; 
Onward, now the dew is sparkling, 

On the liHes fragrant flowers. 

Onward, and the day grows brighter. 

At the rising of the sun. 
Onward, now the day is brightening, 

Brighter now than e'er before; 

Onward, now as time is flying. 

To a place that's more sublime. 
Onward yonder sky is brightening 

In the land of summer climes. 



ROSALINE 



Come walk with me my sweet heart, dear, 

The oriole is loudly singing ; 
The sky is now so bright and clear 

The woodlands too are ringing, 
And everything is bright and clear. 

As bleak old winter's passed away. 

Don your bonnet, twine it round 

We will decorate with roses. 
We can pluck from shaded grounds 

Spring beauties for your posies. 
Why sure enough, you'd look like one 

That had descended from the sun. 



p. \ u <0 NU ' ¥M i irj m% i m tm <m m t S » am 



All day we will watch them springing, 
Snow drops white, crowfoot yellow, 

The dog-toothed violets blooming, 
Sweet crocus, the pretty fellow 

In early morning forth it came 
To do full honor to its name. 

The lark is also proudly singing ; 

He knows sweet vernal's here again 
Beyond the copse crowned hill is ringing 

The wren and red bird's mellow strain ; 
The plowman, too, is full of mirth 

While turning o'er the mellow earth. 

Here are birds not three weeks old 
Nestling close to one another ; 

The father bird, whose not so bold. 
Has left them with their mother, 

Though he will watch and always warn 
Of approaching danger, and of harm. 



Then come with me my sweetheart dear, 
The woodlands still are ringing ; 

The day is warm, the sky is clear 
All earth to life is springing. 

Discard all work and care today. 
Old winter now has passed away. 




Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 61 



DEAD AND FORGOTTEN 

Fairest hopes, of the by gone Spring time, 
Have been slain by Autumnal wrath. 
And alone in the silent tomb they sleep. 
In the cold silent tomb of the past. 

Still the bright signet star of the future, 
Gleams afar o'er the "Dead and Forgotten." 

0, the hot burning rays of Summer, 
And the cool shaded memories past. 
Come to me with a saddened sweetness. 
They have gone, they have left me for aye. 

Cruel time dealt with them as with others. 
And they lie with the "Dead and Forgotten." 



Let the things that are past go ever, 
But their memory lingers still. 
Let us hope that our lives may be useful 
And a blessing to all that we may. 

When we fall with the leaves of Autumn, 
Though Dead, let us pray not Forgotten. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 63 



BLIND MAN'S LAMENT 

("This is a very touching poem.'') — Critic. 

All ye whose eyes are open 

To the gifted lights of day, 
Think how the darkness is falling 

Across the blind man's way. 
Then let compassion's finger touch 

Your hearts pathetic string, 
That hope may o'er his darkened life. 

Cast her protecting wing. 

The blind man lives a blighted life ; 

His path is fringed with woe. 
The trials and troubles which they meet, 

None but the sightless know ; 



mt^frnmrnmBmsBftl^ 



64 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Then do let mercies gentle voice, 
Soft o'er your senses steal ; 

Kindly listen with sympathy 
To this my last appeal. 

My fate is hard I cannot work 

As in the days gone by, 
Although I must myself support 

And daily wants supply, 
God only knows I would not shirk 

Nor hardships would I mind, 
Alas ! Alas ! Hopes star has sunk. 

For I am blind, am blind. 

As one by one, the twinkling stars, 
Forth from their chambers peep, 

And glitter o'er the rolling waves. 
As over oceans sweep 

Their many glittering beauties rare 
Are not for such as I ; 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 65 

Dear God my heart is stung with grief, 
To see thy works I sigh. 

My child's sweet voice I softly hear 

But cannot meet her eye, 
I feel the pressure of a kiss. 

Then turn away to sigh ; 
Wilt thou think of this, happy one. 

In "palace or in cot," 
And drop a kind and gentle thought 

For my hard and wretched lot. 

Then pray turn not away from this 

My sorrowing appeal ; 
Let the gentle voice of mercy 

Soft o'er your senses steal. 
This noble truth in Holy writ, 

Will be your sweet reward. 
That whosoever helps the poor 

Is lending to the Lord. 



66 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

When you have read the book of life, 

This lesson bear in mind, 
God will sometime restore the sight 

Unto the helpless blind ; 
He who has left his followers here, 

To carry out his will. 
Thus said unto the blind man's woes: 

"I am thy God, be still." 

You should remember that on earth 

To count your blessings round. 
For they will yield some precious fruit 

In yon heavenly ground. 
then how great will be the joy. 

That our God has given ; 
There all the blind will see, and bless. 

Your entrance into heaven. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 67 



RESCUE 

Powerfully, grandly, their presence has come. 
To save my frail bark from the merciless shoals . 

Madly, incessantly 0, winds of the night. 
Ye sadly rush onward no more to return. 

Sweetly, serenely when the fierce storm is o'er 
I see on the strand what a wreck had I been. 

Peacefully, brightly a new day has now come. 
Fair hopes spring eternally once more in the dawn. 

Loving, forgiving mother's devotion, 
My struggles intense thou wilt not ignore. 

Patiently, sadly I complain not of cares, 

You may note on my brow the traces they leave. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



Smilingly, gently, the morning is dawning 
After the fierce storm its passion has spent. 

Feverently, fondly, the same as of old, 
Love comes to cherish and gladden and bless. 

Carressingly, calmly, as the tide to the sea. 
There glides in my musings fond memories of thee, 



HOPELESS 

There's never a light, there's never a light ; 

There is never a light for me; 
Though the morning may wake help not a few 

With orbit of blue perfect hue ; 

There is never a light for me. 

There's never a joy, there's never a joy. 
There is never a joy for me ; 

Flowers may come, flowers may bloom, 
They may ripen and grow again. 
There is never a flower for me. 

There's never a tear, there's never a tear ; 
There is never a tear for me ; 



70 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 


No sympathizing hand of mother fair, 


To help me my burdens to bear. 


There is no sympathy for me. 


There's never a love, there's never a love, 


There is never a love for me ; 


I will share my wealth, I will freely give 


Myself and life, with one to live 


There is never a love for me. 


There's always unrest, there's always unrest. 


There is always unrest for me ; 


Though I may hide it in the silent night 


I dream of rest 'till morning light, 


There is always unrest for me. 


There's never a home, there's never a home. 


There is never a home for me ; 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



71 



In Heaven on high 'mong the holy hills 

I've no home, 'less the father wills 
There is never a home for me. 



Poetically this is very good * 
will lend variety to your book.—E. L. K. 



it 




REVENGE 

An action true to human life 
Would be revenge, 

Though scorning oft an injury, 
It's still revenge, 

Forgive without a strife still lurks. 
There in revenge; 

But he that overcomes an enemy- 
Be still revenge. 

The Indian blood so I am told 

Is all revenge ; 
And while the white man's blood is cold 

It's still revenge. 
To Indian red and Saxon white, 

It's sweet revenge. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 73 

To win and overthrow the head 

Would be revenge ; 
But if a worthy foe we find 

Ah ! then revenge. 
And force to yield the nobly done, 

Where is revenge ? 

When the brother's of the baser kind 

Beware revenge ; 
If we are forced to yield though nobly, 

Quench thou revenge ; 
But if of lower kind they be. 

Bitter revenge. 

Why sure there is no honor won 

In base revenge ; 
If worthily you are out done. 

Can you revenge ? 
Does it depart, no deep in heart 

Dormant revenge. 



74 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



All then this germinal spot 

For dire revenge, 
If nurtured still it is a sin 

This same revenge. 
Kept and cultered deep therein 

That he revenge. 

Can your friend if angry grown 

Control revenge. 
Though conquered now his wrathful ire 

Is but revenge ; 
Could a life that's full of truth 

Harbor revenge. 

A true and trusting gentle friend 

Contain revenge ? 
The young in age, the older sire 

Deal out revenge 
If they've cultured the little germ 

That germ revenge. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 75 



OBLIVION 



Within thy silent, calm embrace 
I seek to lay the Present with its tears, 
There all the charms of earth would fade 
To nothingness, and rest would reign supreme 
Though while I there is perfect peace respose, 
I would remember Thee, fair fragrant Rose. 
And long to drift adown life's rippling stream, 
With thoughts and mussings evermore serene; 
Morphius, thy tender touch upon my eye- 
lids spread, 
Let me dream on forever of the Dead. 



76 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



TIME 



Swiftly the time is passing by, 

It comes and goes too soon 'tis past, 

And like the birds that pierce the clouds 

That scud the sky, that dims the day ; 

And as a leaflet in a gale, 

Or as the ship, far out at sea, 

It speeds away, away so fast. 



KINDNESS 

A little act of kindness wrought, 

To help a friend that's tempest tossed ; 

A noble sentiment, a thought. 

The worthy actions that we seek 

With loving words, and looks and deeds. 

Each willing errand that we do 

To help the fallen is not lost. 



78 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



IN THE DOOR OF A HOSPITAL. 

I stood in the door of a hospital 
While a woman lay dying, they said 
Of a fever brought on by exposure, 
While striving to earn her children bread. 
The nurses while standing around her 
Dressed in white gowns — pale faces they bore. 
Each watching her changing expressions ; 
A glorious countenance she bore. 

I softly stepped inside the doorway 
To once gaze on the pitiful scene, 
While lingering, silently death's pang 
Crept steadily on to its mein ; 
All the doctors seemed more than anxious, 






Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 79 

As quick, stiffled and short grew her breath. 
Her stoHd face only but softened 
At the timely appearance of death. 

As grim death came silently o'er her 
I thought 'tis the same to rich and poor ; 
The same dreaded gloom shall enshroud us 
That now is enshrouding the room, 
Each must be adorned in death's raiment 
Alone to sleep in the silent tomb. 
An angel unfolded his mantel 
Beckoning her to the far beyond. 

Thus I thought as I stood and pondered 

O'er this, her last and lifeless remain. 

A miserable life has a woman 

When not loved and supported by man. 

She is only one of the thousand 

That it matters not how much they try 



80 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

They cannot keep themselves living 
For they struggle, they suffer, they die. 

She was by her work when they found her, 
Sick and lonely and ready to die. 
Her husband long before had left her ; 
Gone to his home in heaven on high. 
The three hungry children stood by her 
Each imploring their God to come nigh. 
Under this she grew unconscious still 
She whispered "in the sweet by and by." 

Christian friends where shall the body lie ? 
Who will plant a flower on her grave ? 
where is the kind hearted mother 
That will take the children to raise. 
God send thy guardian angel. 
These three little orphans to keep. 
For such death scenes as I have witnessed 
Would surely cause angels to weep. 



o 

XII 

> 

IT' 




Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 81 



'TIS BEST 



Tis best to live a polished life 
To reap the golden grain, 

To hold the golden thread of life 
For Christ will come again. 



82 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



ANONYMOUS 

How fair the world does seem to be, 
Under search lights of affection. 
How dismal it would be to me, 
If discord should sever the spell ; 
Then why call love but a folly 
If you when after reflection 
Declare that to you it maketh 
Up, your heaven, your home or hell. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 83 



A MEDIC'S DREAM 

I dreamed I loved humanity, 
And gave my life to save a tear ; 
Became more useful year by year, 
Helped the brother who'd fallen low, 
Slowly the disease came over him. 
Thus I struggled with might and vim 
To cause a new life once to beam 
Forth from the smouldering clay. 
In him renewed a hope supreme— 
"This is the medic's dream." 

I dreamed the people believe in right. 
The doctor is the man of might ; 
He heals the body— not the soul, 
He opes the window of the heart. 



84 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

And speaks : "Disease, thou shalt depart." 
Then peers into a darkened life, 
Casts out the gloom, lets in the light. 
The patient mounts the sun-crowned height. 
With noble thoughts, and looks and deeds, 
He bids his sick the health-way speed. 
They never stop and dread to climb 
Health's highway — the way sublime ; 
With quickened eyes that are a gleam, 
"This is the medic's dream." 

I dreamed our field was only earth ; 
We struggle not in vain, who durst 
Say freedom to all men shall be 
Protected rights and liberty. 
The lover of the happy home. 
Who fights the battle, they alone 
Are slaves and no slaves, be it known 
They stoop not to penury sums. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 85 

But fighting for victory till 
Victory's won o'er death and disease. 
Thus we are floating down life's stream, 
Becoming more and more serene — 
"This is the medic's dream." 

I dreamed a little cot was blest, 

I brought that home both peace and rest, 

And took away that dreadful cry, 

"My child upon the death bed lie." 

In the place of the evening hush 

A bright-eyed child, a healthful blush. 

The father sat among his own, 

The wife and child, and they alone 

To each confess their joy supreme — 

"This is the medic's dream." 



86 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



A PENITENT'S PRAYER 

Man's time must come 
When his life's work is done. 

There comes a time, he must rest 
In his grave, condemned or blest. 

As we passed onward through this life, 
We're met by tempters and by strife. 

Some are always in a fret 

Because they're paying Adam's debt." 

But when you are on Jordan's brink. 
My friend, you'll stop and think. 

That Adam's interest is past due. 
And the principal has fallen upon you. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 87 

Death will stare you in the face, 
Reminding you of your sinful race. 

Upon your knees you'll fall, 

The dear Savior you're sure to call. 

Come, dear Jesus, come to stay, 
Blot all my sins, drive them away. 

Come, God, come and bless, 
Take me and all that I possess. 

Come, dear Jesus, come and heal. 
Infirmities of spirit I feel. 

Come, dear Jesus, come today, 
Quickly drive my sins away, 

Come, or I am eternally lost, 

I've lived without counting the cost. 

God, take my mind. 
Place it in Thy care divine. 



Dear Nazarene will I be found 
Wearing Satan's sinful crown ? 

Wilt thou free me from pain ; 
Keep me from all sinful gain ? 

Pray take my life, preserve, 
That I may Thy blessing deserve. 

Oh, I pray Thee cleanse my heart, 
That I may no bitterness impart. 

0, my God lift me up. 

That I need not drink the bitter cup. 

0, my Jesus, when I die 
Upon thy breast I want to lie. 

When I cross death's darkest sea, 
I want to eternally dwell with Thee. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 89 



NOT SLEEPING AND NOT DEAD 



We are bereft of friends so dear 
And our hearts now sorrow ; 
We will go and who does know 
But we may go to morrow. 

Our suffering, though great it be, 
To the faithful is the victory. 
From, suffering we'll be free 
And dwell with God eternally. 

Fm in Heaven mother, now ; 

do not think Fm dead, 

I'm free from trouble now, 

Your child's not sleeping and not dead. 



90 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

You will see me, once again, 
When we meet to part no more, 
And you're free from earth's pain, 
Then we'll sing for evermore. 

The lights around me, mother dear, 
Cause me to want you here. 
Come, come, my mother dear, 
And with me my blessings share. 

A hosts of angels beckon thee. 
How mnch longer will you stay ? 
At the gate I'll wait for thee, 
'Till the coming judgment day. 

My garments — how they shine ! 
A golden crown is on my head. 
father I'm with one divine ; 
Father, dear father, I'm not dead. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 91 

While in this distant aiden, 
I am a sainted maiden, 
While I am with my God, 
My body lies beneath the sod. 

Will the time e'er come, 
That you'll join me in Heaven ? 
Though you're gathered one by one, 
I'll bless your entrance into Heaven. 

Father ! Mother ! You need not fear. 
Your oldest daughter, Nancy's here. 
While we together always roam 
We watch our parents' earthly home. 



92 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



SOLACE 

Oh ! why does our hope lie withered 
When autumn comes with its frosts 

In misery land or land of sorrow 
Where Divinity's Law are crossed ? 

Why did the love that we cherished, 
Leave a yearning, broken heart, 

With all its misery and sadness, 
Who gave it leave to depart ? 

There comes to me, while I ponder. 

Is it the ghost of a sigh ? 
A voice that only but whispers, 

" As you live so shall you die." 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 93 

Ah ! deep in my soul is chambered, 

I hear the echo still plain— 
A song that I use to fancy, 

To me it sounds not the same. 

Now, as I brood in the twilight 
And know life's ebbing too soon ; 

Could I, in this sadness, fancy 
That light was dispelling the gloom ? 

Erstwhile I wait, it is coming 

Not a twilight after while, 
But a changeless life forever, 

A life that's ever a smile. 



94 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



BIBLE 

Its presence a pleasure 
Its thoughts Divine, 
All of its promises 
I long to be mine. 

When danger is near me 
My heart beats wild. 
This is my solace, 
I am God's child. 

When sickness availeth 
With sorrow and woe 
Its promises' loyal 
'Twill always be so. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 95 

When friends have left me 
And I am alone 
I think of the promise, 
"A heavenly home." 

A home in heaven 
I have laid up, 
Where moth and rust 
Doth neither corrupt. 

The book, the Bible 
The book Divine, 
Each precious promise 
I long to be mine. 

The book I treasure 
Right well I know 
'Tis always the best 
For weal or woe. 



96 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



Twill always be with me, 
'Twill e'er be nigh, 
'Twill guide and lead me 
To my home on high. 





X/1 



►J 

W 

o 

o 

<< 
GO 



O 

w 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 97 



THE BOY IN BLUE 

With pen in my hand, a short story to write, 
Will tell of a soldier, that fought for the right. 
There a fine prancing steed that chewed on his bit, 
A young heart was yearning there's no time to waste. 
The war was then waging, he was in haste ; 
With an impatient jerk the bridle untied, 
Was soon in his saddle and ready to ride ; 
A leap and a bound away to the war. 
With the spur on his heel the horse he would goad 
Through the hot summer sunshine, swiftly he rode 
On to the South, the scene of my story. 
The boys in blue defending old glory. 



98 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poemd 

At first I will tell you the story is new ; 

I will also tell you the incidents true, 

For like all good stories is based upon facts ; 

ril mention no dates, your memory to tax. 

In the war for freedom in the Sunny South, 

When the brave boys were facing the cannon's 

mouth, 
The exact location, but little you care. 
So the brave boys in blue were fighting down there, 
A common occurrence mixed up with their youth. 

'Twas fate sir, that did it, that treacherous flag. 
It was shot down, torn down and put in a bag ; 
Then off to a boat strong hands waiting to row. 
Far up the river 'twas to be safely stowed. 
Now as they promise to do somewhat better. 
It's too late, it was trampled in the gutter. 
We in our Union now solidly stand 
United as brothers, in heart and in hand. 



Secret llaunt of tke Exile and Other foems 99 

Contented we are and as ever anon, 

Death be to the traitors that are under our sun. 

If the boys in blue had lived long ago 

To scout with Washington as leader, you know. 

They would have been happy, alas ! my glory. 

For elsewhere I would have seare hed for my story 

Then hurrah for the boys in a land like ours, 

A place where freedom will but brighten the hour. 

Now on with my story, I need make my way 

For sadder and paler he grew day by day, 

Side by side they rode as they were brother. 

Willing to die in behalf of a mother. 

In him could be seen the beautiful nectar. 
The power and the pride of a living Hector. 
Oh the dear soldier boys, who loves them the best 
Is shown by this statue, how lonely it rests : 
Will you picture it now, its facing the west. 
They all smiled when young and happy and gay 

Lmc 



As the birds in the trees on a bright spring day, 
And their plans perchance were the wisest on earth, 
Though they found but Kttle of laughter and mirth. 

Also some gossiper, for people will chatter, 
As some only talk to hear themselves clatter. 
About boys in the blue and boys in the gray. 
But vernal was on them, 'twas sometime in May, 
The sun rose that morn o'er the hills far away 
On the field of battle the soldiers then lay. 
On the one side the blue, the other the gray- 
They fought like a demon from morning 'till night. 
The dead and the dying, what pitiful sights ; 
For curiosities sake some joined in the throng 
To catch a few words as they hurried along. 
Said one to our hero, "very romantic. 

Were I in their place I would surely be frantic." 
Tou ought to be hung," said a spiteful old man. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 101 

"For my part," said another, "I think it a shame; 
It's nothing to me, I'm thankful to say," 
Replied a wise youth as he hurried away 
Fully aroused by the several remarks, 
They kept with the crowd for they're fond of their 
lark. 

Some hurried here and there to spread the alarm 
The call — "Forward march, right about face, 

ground arms," 
While others were asking how long will it last. 
"Attention," the drums were beating the bugle 

blasts ; 
To the front was the hill, in steel armor drest, 
They now met on the field their rights to contest, 
From the crest of the hill the cannon fired fast. 
The bravest of the boys up the hill still pressed, 
But how fiercely they tried the Gray's to beat back ; 
They struggled, they fought, not bravery they 

lacked ; 



102 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



They strove for position, t^ey saw at a glance 
'Twould be impossible to take it by chance. 

The contest still raged, and steel clashed against 

steel. 
At last they were beaten, for help they appealed ; 
Hark ye ! What emotion was that in the crowd. 
That caused that wild tumult, that shouting aloud ? 
The hero in Blue through the crowd quickly ran. 
The treacherous flag was pulled down by his hand. 
And left the boys in Gray crest-fallen, some dead. 
While he placed Old Glory high over their heads. 




Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 103 



UNFOLDING OF A BETTER LIFE 

Erstwhile the sunset hour is coming 
And the sun passing from our sight ; 

Alone in reverie sat he dreaming, 
Dreaming by his own firelight. 

Dreaming of the deeds of sages ; 

Letting fancy stray awhile. 
On his face depicted sorrow ; 

There were tears but not a smile. 

Ah ! those bitter day of sorrow, 
That had wrung his heart with pain ; 

In his life no song of gladness, 
All his life had been in vain. 



104 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

Though he had the God forgotten, 
Hope's bright star had passed from sight 

And a youthful heart was broken 
And his soul seemed as dark as night. 

God the parent, time, eternity 
Will wipe the tear drop from his face. 

He heals all wounds, he has told us 
But the scars will not erase. 

Shall we look the radiant morning. 
Can banish every dusky shroud ; 

The sun will always shine the brighter 
At the clearing of the cloud. 

Then his life became so happy, 
That it filled with songs of joy 

And each dreadful by-gone sorrow. 
Fills the soul with much alloy. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 105 

As he casts into the future 

Of the year's that's just begun 
Could he see the strife and sorrow 

He would weaken 'ere he begun. 

'Tis best that each year guard its secret, 
And unfold them to you hour by hour. 

Life is like a closed up rose bud ; 
It shall grow to a full grown flower. 

Though he meets with doubts and dangers, 
Griefs and triumphs all the way ; 

There are always joys and pleasures 
That come to brighten up the way. 

Then with thoughts that are repentant. 

Have a loving, cheerful heart, 
For your life is stamped on others ; 

Some will choose the better part. 



106 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 

No longer comes the pangs of conscience 
To him who lives his very best, 

For when each day's work is over 
He can calmly seek his rest. 



Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 107 



ALONE 



The flash that lit my pathway, 
But so dim I ne'er did see 
Misfortune's handy work. It 
Came, it went though nothing done ; 
Blackness left and it alone 
Mark my futile, fruitless course. 



108 Secret Haunt of the Exile and Other Poems 



SPRING 



Why am I sad ; why do I moan, 
For when you come you always bring, 
Though hidden deep you waft us spring ; 
hear the voice of nature ring. 

Not joy but life eternal springs 
Up from the grave, thus while the sky 
Is blackened by the clouds and I 
So sad, and sullen be, weep on. 



INDEX 

Page 

Anonymous 82 

A Medic's Dream 83 

All Must Die 48 

At Mother's Grave 25 

Alone 107 

Penitent's Prayer 86 

Blind Man's Lament 63 

Bible 94 

Dead and Forgotten 61 

Dead 37 

Flowerlets 51 

Hopeless 69 

Introductory 6 

In the Door of a Hospital 78 

In the Hands of Fate 28 



Kindness 77 

Love .39 

Not Sleeping and Not Dead 89 

Onward 57 

Oblivion 75 

Pride Will Fall 41 

Preface 4 

Queen of the Night 46 

Revenge , 72 

Rosaline 58 

Rescue 67 

Supposing 53 

Something to Be 43 

Solace 92 

Spring 108 

The Secret Haunt of the Exile (I) 7 



The Secret Haunt of the Exile (II) 10 

The Dream (The Secret Haunt of the Exile) (III) 14 

The Secret Haunt of the Exile (IV) 19 

Time 76 

'Tis Best 81 

The Boy in Blue 97 

Unfolding of a Better Life 103 

Where Can I Rest 22 



INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page 

Frontis Piece — "Arkansas Buck" 

The Secret Haunt of the Exile 7 

In Search of the Exile 21 

The Hospital 79 

Monument 97 






Printed by 

The Labor World Press 

Decatur, III. 



9E€ 22 180a 



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